A faith-based school that refused to admit a 3-year-old because his parents are gay has prompted an online petition asking New Mexico's federal delegation to look into why Hope Christian School can receive federal tax dollars.

"We hope to generate support for the 3-year-old child and for other couples who may be in the same circumstances," supporter Brittany Arneson said.

Members of the Coalition for Student Justice and Get Equal New Mexico started the petition asking congressmen to look into why the school qualifies for federal tax dollars when they won't let a 3-year-old enroll because his parents are gay.

In June, a letter was sent to the family saying, "Same-gender couples are inconsistent with the scripture."

Attorney Shane Youtz responded days ago, arguing the school is violating the New Mexico Human Rights Act.

"They're open to everybody, apparently, except children of gay parents," Youtz said. "Religious organizations can't discriminate based upon sexual orientation if they're operating as 501c3 corporations."

Youtz believes the school is a nonprofit, but the school's attorney said they're a private school and stand by their letter to the parents, saying the school trusts that individuals would equally respect its right to its religious beliefs.

Meanwhile, online support for the 3-year-old is growing, but the family's attorney said a simple acknowledgment of wrongdoing and apology from the school would suffice.